Hello Stamping Friends!
A friend of mine asked me to make her a set of 6 cards based on this card I made earlier.
I used a pad of coordinating paper that I had in my sash. Just some simple 2-step stamping, silver heat embossing, and ribbon.
These took me about an hour to do all 6.
Thanks for stopping by! Happy stamping!
~Lacey
Hello stamping friends!
It's time for a new ABC Christmas Challenge:
U is for Uncolored (do not color your image)
We are being sponsored this challenge by:
And here is my card (sorry for the bad picture, it was raining all day)...
This is an old Stampin' Up favorite called Solemn Silhouettes.
The top image was embossed in silver...
The challenge runs through Tuesday, October 28th.
Thanks for stopping by! Happy stamping!
~Lacey
Hello stamping friends!
We are out of town this weekend for another Tennessee Volunteer Football game. Hopefully it won't rain again this time!!
Anyway, I have a quick post for a quick card...
I had to make thank you cards for Ansley's birthday party last month. I went with a simple design using her new bedroom make-over (which was one of her birthday presents from us).
The only stamping is the retired Stampin' Up "Thank You" sentiment.
Here are a few of them together.
If you ever need a quick set of cards, this is my "go to" design. Just designer paper for the background, a strip of double-punched cardstock, a strip of different cardstock, some simple ric rac, and a sentiment. Easy peasy!!
Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!
~Lacey
Hello stamping friends!
Today I have a card to share today that I made for my Mother-in-law for Mother's Day. I made a different one for my mom, but I can't share it at the moment - you will have to wait for a later date:-)
I used one of my Stampin' Up sets that hasn't been used in ages called "Wonderful Watercolors" I think it's retired.
The paper is Marjolaine from Basic Grey. I also use a Tim Holtz Adage Ticket and pearls and Martha Stewart butterfly punches.
I hope she likes it!
Thanks for stopping by! Happy stamping!
~Lacey
Hello stamping friends!!
I hope you had a lovely Easter. We had a great time. It was a busy weekend filled with Disney, Friends, and food (not good for my diet)! But I'm almost back on track with that - have to loose about 30 pounds with my brother's wedding in 6 weeks as the incentive! I've lost almost 8 pounds so far (in 3 1/2 weeks).
I managed to get all of the paid orders shipped out yesterday. Now I just have to get caught up with emails - gotta love a sale on a long Holiday weekend to keep you very busy after the holiday!
Since we had the sale over the weekend, we don't have a Product Spotlight this week at Stamp and Create. However, I'll let you in on a little secret...I haven't removed the past few Product Spotlights from their sale prices yet! So if you're looking for a good deal, check out the store - still lots of stamps on sale.
So now it's time for another ABC Christmas Challenge!
This week's challenge is:
I is for Indigo and Ice with a photo inspiration...
We are sponsored this challenge by...
Go check out the challenge post for details about Brenda's prize and information.
Now on to my card...
Since we are being sponsored by a Stampin' Up Demonstrator this time, I tried to use as many Stampin' Up products that would fit the challenge. I didn't have a main image I wanted to use with the "Ice" theme, so I pulled out High Hopes Sitting Snowy with Flake.
I created my own patterned paper by embossing the tree from Load of Love set with silver embossing powder. Snowy is also embossed in Black.
I also used some White Satin Ribbon, Star Brads (couldn't find them - must be retired now) and silver brads, border punch, and snowflake die.
To keep with the "ice" theme, I didn't ink up the edges of the image with ink like I usually do, but instead I swiped the edges of the image with versamark, then embossed it with silver! I love how it turned out.
The sentiment is an old Stampin' Up set.
This is also for:
ABC Challenge: S is for sparkle
Now it's your turn! Let's see your take on the Indigo & Ice photo inspiration challenge!
And make sure to check out the rest of the DT cards.
Thanks for stopping by! Happy stamping!
~Lacey
Hello stamping friends!! I hope you are having a lovely weekend!
It is time for another High Hopes Challenge!! This week we have a fun one (although they all are fun, right?): Anything but a card!!
Wow, the DT came up with some creative projects this week!! So many different but wonderful ideas.
I went with a scrapbook layout...
It felt great to get this layout finally done from last year. You may have seen a little of Ryan's Soccer in this layout. But those were the professional pictures. These are the candid ones.
Left side...
Scott was Ryan's Coach (along with one of the players mom for the assistant coach).
Right side...
Ryan in action!! Although, these are rare photos...he mostly laid on the floor and picked at the grass!! LOL No, he really started to get into it at the end of the season. There may be a little hope for the future!
I used some Basic Grey Origins DP, some Thickers alphabet chipboard stickers Soccer ball stamp from Stampin' Up, and High Hopes Soccer Star (illustrated by Dustin Pike). As a reminder, all Dustin Pike imagesare currently on sale for 25% off in the store. Gotta make room for the NEW RUBBAH to arrive for the upcoming release!! :-))))))
Scoccer Star was embossed in black and watercolored with Twinkling H2Os...
Now it's your turn!! Let's see what non-card you can come up with!! Just remember, you must use a High Hopes image in order to be entered into the drawing for the free stamps.
Also, there will not be a challenge next week since we will be busy gearing up for the sneak peeks to begin on Monday, Aug 29th.
Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!
~Lacey
It's saturday (yay) so that means it's time for another Scrap and Stamp Saturday Challenge!!
Did you enjoy the Wags 'n Whiskers blog hop yesterday? We all had a great time and are so thrilled that everyone enjoyed our little sweet fairies.
If you follow my blog on a regular basis, then you may notice that I am using Hannah for the 2nd time today, but that I have not used Angelica yet. I promise that I have used her! And it may be my favorite project from the whole release!! But you will have to wait until Monday for my Magical Monday Challenge card. But here's a peek at the image...
Ok...so this week's Scrap and Stamp Saturday Challenge is: My Favorite Things.
The rules were basically to interpret that anyway you want. Many of the DT actually scrapped a layout with the title "My Favorite Things". I went with a little different approach to this challenge. I used some of my favorite things in a regular layout.
Make sure to check out the Challenge Post to see the wonderful prize from our sponsor this week Lauretta's Digital Stamps.
Here's my layout...
"I believe in fairies".
My favorite things:
1. My kids - actually only my daughter is in these pictures - Ryan wouldn't go NEAR the fairies - he's shy around the "girl" characters.
2. Friends - the other two girls in the layout are Zoe and Danni Fairbairn (daughters of my Wags 'n Whiskers partner Nikki from England who came to the USA in May for a visit).
3. Fairies and Butterflies - two of my favorite images
4. MY new fairy stamps - this is Hannah from the new Wags 'n Whiskers fairy release.
5. Pink - my favorite color
6. Ribbon - I LOVE ribbon, especially cute pink bows!!
7. Disney World - "the happiest place on earth"...except that my husband and I are always stressed out during trips to Disney - mainly because of the heat and the crowds. We actually tell each other in the car while parking "it will be a hot day", "the kids will whine", "there will be long lines", but it's going to be a good day anyway!! LOL And we actually have started telling the kids (in the car before we park), "No, I'm not holding you all day", "No, you can not buy that", and "Yes, I know it's a long line"...but we're at Disney World!! :-) Gosh, now I want to go back!!
Yes, those photos really are that bright!! This is the new "Pixie Hollow" character meet and greets at Toon-Town at Disney World. They walk you down a hallway, tell you that you will be sprinkled with Pixie Dust so that you will shrink to the size of a fairy so you can meet Tinkerbell and her friends. Then optical lights dance around the room!! (just in case you were wondering how they explain to the little girls that Tinkerbell is the size of a women)!! LOL
I used a Stampin' Up flower stamp (Fifth Avenue Floral) on the background. Then used some Basic Grey DP. The back pink and the green layers are from Olivia and the polkadot layer is from Sugar Rush.
Other products used: Basic Grey Chipboard letters, Prima rhinestones, Wrinkled Pink Ribbon, Bow Easy, Pearls, and Diamond Stickles.
The sketch is from Scrapbook Challenges Sketch 213.
I'm also entering this in the Going Grey Challenge: Fairy Tales do come true
Tip: If you don't have enough paper for a double page layout, cut the paper out from the areas that will be covered. This allows the appearence of a full sheet...
Once the polkadot layer was placed in the center, the space was covered!!
Hannah was embossed in black and watercolored with Twinkling H2Os...
Now it's your turn!! Let's see those layouts either about your favorite things...or using your favorite things on your layout!
Also, the Wags 'n Whiskers Blog Hop is still going on through Sunday. So if you haven't had the chance to check out the awesome creations from the DT, start at the Wags 'n Whiskers blog to get started!!
Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!
~Lacey
Happy Saturday!! So are you ready for a sneak peek of one of the new High Hopes release?! I have used one of the new images for the Scrap and Stamp Saturday Challenge!
This week's challenge is: Used Mixed Alphas!! Use different styles, colored, stamped letters, die cut letters, chipboard letters...just mix it up!!
Here's my layout...
This handsome man is Ryan and he just graduated from Pre-K! He is officially a Kindergartener now!! Wow! My baby looks so grown up!!
The sketch is from Pencil Lines.
The awesome High Hopes image is called "Boy Graduate" and will be available on Monday morning! There is a "Girl Graduate", too!
The image was embossed in black and watercolored with Twinkling H2Os.
For the Scrap and stamp Challenge, I used 3 different styles of chipboard letters by Stampin' Up along with some American Crafts "Thickers" (glitter chipboard stickers).
Some quick details...
I used SU "Sanded" background stamp (retired), The Greeting Farm "Spotlight Kit" (arrow and sentiment), black ric rac ribbon, Twill ribbon, black brads, and Tim Holtz Adage Ticket.
Make sure to hop on over to the High Hopes blog to find the links of the other Divas sharing sneak peeks today.
Then hop on over to the Scrap and Stamp Saturday blog to find out details about this week's sponsor and to check out the rest of the awesome DT layouts!!
I will be back tomorrow with a double post...another High Hopes sneak peek and challenge...and a Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps release hop!!
Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!
~Lacey
How's the weather in your part of the world? It's already VERY hot here in South Florida!! It's going to be a hot summer! Memorial Day in the States marks the begining of "Summer"!! Ryan is already out of school for the summer...next fall he will start Kindergarten :-( My baby is no longer a baby!! Ansley still has another week of school. But the daily "I want to go in the pool" has already started!! Man, I won't get any work done over the summer!!
So, to beat the heat, I am ready to think "Christmas"...the ABC Christmas Challenge that is!!
Our sponsor this week is
We are now on the letter L so our challenge for the next 2 weeks is:
L is for Lights with extra "Tree"
I will be honest, I struggled with this one. Not one stamp in my personal stash or in the Stamp and Create store has Christmas lights!! So I went with a little different approach to this challenge and went with "Star light"...
This is an old retired Stampin' Up set. It even has palm trees!! I used some 7 Gypsies DP and tag, KaiserCraft pearls, Tim Holtz tag, and Silk Ribbon.
The image was embossed in Gold and watercolored with Twinkling H2Os...
Here's a different angle of the image so you can see the embossing...
Why don't you join in the challenges with us?! It's a great way to beat the summer heat and get a head start on your massive Christmas Card List!!
Make sure to check out the ABC Christmas Challenge Blog to see the rest of the awesome DT cards!!
Store update:
~ The Greeting Farm new release now available
~ Whiff of Joy restocks are in including both of the Store Kits.
Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!
~Lacey
Yay!! The weekend is here! That's something to "cheer" about!!
It's time for another Scrap and Stamp Saturday Challenge. This week's challenge is: Ribbon.
This week's sponsor is:
Ribbon!! Easy, peasy, right?! You would think so...but I over-thought the process, papers, stamps, and pictures...changed my mind a gazillion times...so I ended on settling for a large thick satin ribbon!! So many possibilities and I went with "simple"...after spending days reworking my total thought process!! LOL
And here is the final result...
This past fall, Ansley took Cheerleading after school once a week. They don't have sports team, it was just cheerleading for fun. So at the end of the season, they had a program at a local High School gym to show their routines and cheers to the parents.
It's hard to see in the picture, but the ribbon is satin centered-reversable ribbon. The photo below may show it a little better. It at least shows that it is shiny on the outside and matte on the inside, but if you turn it over, it's opposite...
The sketch on both sides is from Sketch Thursdays. Here's the left side...
Yes, that is Ansley in the air. It think they call that the "flyer". She was one of the smallest on the team. Of course, that was before she busted her head open in February when she fell off a chair. I guarantee she wouldn't be a flyer if she was in cheerleading right now!! She still has a bump from the fracture and just recently was released to play contact sports. But as I look at this picture, I want to walk up to her an tell her "get down before you bust your head open"!! LOL Gotta love "hindsight"!!
The background paper was a specialty paper from SU from a few years ago. It is Kraft with tiny stripes. Then I randomly stamped a few stamps from an old SU cheerleader set to create a special patterned paper...
I also used "Let's Go Team" from Wags 'n Whiskers...
The image was embossed in black and watercolored with Twinkling H2Os.
Now it's your turn!! Let's see your layouts using ribbon. Just remember, you must use at least one stamp on your layout to be entered into the drawing for the prize from the sponsor.
And if you haven't already, make sure to check out the rest of the awesome DT layouts!!
Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!
Happy Saturday to you! I have scheduled this post since we are currently at Disney World!! Yeah!!
Today is another Scrap and Stamp Saturday Challenge. The Challenge is to scrap a layout of your Fall Traditions...what do you do every Fall?!
We have a few things we do each Fall...Ansley's Birthday in September, Ryan's Birthday in October, My birthday in November, Halloween activities, Thanksgiving activities, Christmas (of course), Football games (my husband is a huge College Football fan), trips to Disney World...but what we always do is some sort of travel to out of town family.
Therefore, here is my layout...
This is actually from 3 years ago. We took a trip to Gainesville, Georgia to visit my mom. My sister also lives there with her family. So, on this trip, we took advantage of a pile of leaves! As the journalling says...we don't get this type of fun in South Florida!! Nope, the grass is always green (unless it doesn't rain), and the trees are always full of green leaves!
In fact, on Thansgiving, it was in the low 80's! So we have fun playing in the leaves when we can!
Here's a close up of the leaves that I stamped using an old SU set. I stamped them, then cut them out. Added a button, and sewed it onto the layout...
I also stamped some swirls in the corners of the paper. The DP is from Stampin' Up!
The title are chipboard letters that I inked up with Chocolate Chip ink, then added some Glossy Accents...
The leaf charm, and ribbon are from my store Stamp and Create.
This week's Sponsor for the challenge is my business partner Bunny Zoe's Crafts! She ships world-wide and has a huge selection of papers, stamps, and other supplies.
If you would like to join in our challenge this week, create a layout of one of your Fall Traditions, use at least 1 stamp, and upload it to Mr. Linky in the challenge post!
Don't forget my blog candy here.
Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!
~Lacey
I have a quick card to share today. But before we get to that...
What do you think about my new company?!
I am so excited...I can't even express how excited I am!
Make sure to check out the Wags 'n Whiskers Blog if you haven't already..because we are giving away a full set of our first release!! In order to be entered into the drawing, you need to follow the Wags 'n Whiskers Blog and post about it on your blog. Now, I understand that not all of you have a blog (and with the new SU IDA...some of you can't link it). But this particular candy is part of "advertising" for the company. I PROMISE that there will be chances to win candy next week even if you don't have a blog!
Ok...on to today's card...
I wanted to play along again with Dawn McVey's Raspberry Suite Color Challenge #17. And I also promised to make a set of card to give to my old church for a fund raiser (to include in a gift basket that they will be raffling off). So I set out to make the card using the color challenge.
Here is the color combo...
I used Kraft for the A2 card base. I added some SU retired DP in Red and Baja Breeze. I stamped one of the beautiful flourish images from the new Vintage Labels set from PTI in Dark Brown onto Very Vanilla CS, then I inked up the edges with the brown. I added it to a Chocolate layer that was punched with the Scallop Border Punch.
I added the sentiment from SU and the red outline from Vintage labels and die cut the piece with my Label 1 Nestability.
This card only took me a few minutes to make! I really like how the stamped background turned out. I think I will need to make more of these. In fact, I bet this hole design would look awesome as Monogrammed cards!!
I have to run. I will be posting again soon with more information about Wags 'n Whiskers stamps! So make sure to check back again soon!
Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!
~Lacey
I have been working on the thank you card for Ansley's birthday for what seems like FOREVER!! But I finally got the actual cards done. Today, I printed up a thank you message to go on the inside and Ansley signed her name. Now to address them and finally get them out!
I will be honest, the thank you cards for Ansley's birthdays seem to be so hard to me to do! That's mainly because by the time Ansley's birthday is done, it's time to start planning Ryan's birthday party in a few weeks!!
Anyway, here is the design I came up with for Ansley's thank you cards...
I kept it fairly simple. I stampd Bella Toile from SU in Melon Mambo onto Melon Mambo CS. I used one of the Martha Stewart border punches, and some ribbon (from Michaels). The tag is from SU and the sentiment is an old retired SU set that I can't part with. I added some rhinestones for some "bling" to match the invitations and the Party Favors.
Here are the other elements from her party all in one post...
Invitations - Originally posted here.
Party Favors - Originally posted here.
Anyway, I have been soooo busy with "stuff"! I just can't tell you what stuff I am doing just yet!! Just know that I am working hard and CAN'T wait to spill the beans!! Just a little longer now!!
On another subject....I am going for allergy testing on Wednesday. I have allergies...and asthma...basically had them my whole life. But since it's been 8 years since I have been tested, my new allergy doctor (actually she is my old doctor - who I went to before I moved away 7 years ago) wants me to do the prick test again to see what I am allergic to. Down side...I have to be medicine free for 5 days prior to my appointment!! OMG!! My whole body itches (withdrawal symtom of Zyrtec I hear), and tonight I am sneezing my head off!!
Since Scott and Ansley had a head cold over the past 2 weeks, I am SURE I will end up with something since my immune system is going to be down. Oh well! I haven't had a head cold in about 4 months...I guess I'm due for one!! LOL
Thanks for stopping by! Happy stamping!
~Lacey
Let me tell you how glad I am that it's friday!! As I posted earlier in the week, Ansley and I weren't feeling well. Ansley still has a cough, but no fever, no more throwing up, so she only missed one day of school. I have been going to bed early every night, so I am starting to feel a little revived!
However...yesterday happened!! Oh my goodness...I was just having one of those days when everything could go wrong. I received some bad news, which took over my whole mood. All day nothing went my way. Then finally, it was time to prepare dinner. I had partially defrosted chicken in the refrigerator, but it still was pretty hard in the afternoon so I left it on the counter to finish defrosting. Well, apparently it's just too hot, or too humid and the chicken was spoiled by the time I was ready to make it (it was only out for a few hours). So, in my bad mood, I just shoved it down the garbage disposal...and it clogged up the sink! I got the punger out which ened up making it worse. Poored draino down it which make it worse. At one point I turned the disposal back on to see if it would help clear it out...and it spewed rotten chicken water all over the kitchen!!
$250 for a plumber later...it's fixed!!
So, I was hoping for a better day today. While packing Ansley's backpack, we found some homework that was due today. So Scott helped her do it and we drove to the bus stop...just to get in while they were ready to leave. The other parents held the bus for us (and 2 other girls that were walking) and off they go. I get home to find her homework ON THE COUNTER!!! Are you kidding me?! Now I get to make a trip to the school this morning!!
Therefore, I am glad this week is almost over...I am ready to put it behind me. Do you ever have any of those days?!
On to today's post. I am glad I have something to share (since I haven't been feeling well this week, I haven't created anything new). These are the scripture balls I made for Ansley's 1st grade teacher for her daughter's wedding...
I am so happy with how these turned out. I made a total of 17 of these, but not all of them fit on the table.
I used SU Basic Black for the card bases.The white is just plain CS I got at Walmart. The scriptures where printed on the computer. The Damask stamp was in the $1 section of Michaels awhile ago. The organza ribbons are from JoAnns.
I also printed their name and wedding date on the computer and punched it out with the new SU tag punch.
Anyway, I am really hoping today gets better, my headache goes away, and that I meet some wonderful new friends at MOPS (Mother's of Preschoolers) today!
Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!
I wanted to send a card to my blogging friend Jackie. She's a SU demo, so I wanted to make her a "SU Only" card. It's been awhile since I've done one of these, so it was fun to try to do (oh, so hard not to pick up my Nestabilities)!! LOL
But I REALLY like how it turned out!!!
Really, the only stamping through is the Medallion (and the sentiment from Wonderful Watercolors)...isn't that thing awesome?!
The DP is Razzleberry Lemonade (the Pumpkin Pie layer that the medallion is stamped on is also DP, not card stock). I stamped the medallion in Dusty Durango to make it darker and stand out more than Pumpkin Pie. I added a strip of Crushed Curry CS and pierced a line of holes using the Mat Pack. The butterfly is the SU Sizzix die. The ribbon is SU Bermuda Bay Polka dot ribbon, and the brad is also from SU.
So what do you think of the butterfly "body"? Thats part of the Pretties Kit. I also used the eyelet border punch as well.
I stamped the butterfly twice and poped up the wings of the top layer with dimensionals.
Here's the shot of the inside...
I used the same layout as the front and added some white to write Jackie a little note and added another die cut butterfly to finish it off!
The sad thing is...as soon as I finished this card, I checked my email. I received an email from SU saying that my new store Stamp and Create is in violation of the demo agreement. So, I am sad to say that I am no longer a SU demo. Now, I knew that this was the case when I opened the store. I really am not surprised that they contacted me. In fact, I wasn't going to sign the new IDA at the end of the month anyway. But I thought I would have a little more time with them.
I truely love SU products so I am really going to miss being a demo. I sort of feel like a part of me is missing now!! I was first introduced to stamping through a SU workshop!
The good news is that I can still purchase their products...so I am sure you will still see SU products used here! In fact, I just placed my last order to stock up on a few things. I also just got in my incolor 12x12 card stock, so I can scrapbook Ansley's birthday party (I needed 12 x 12 Melon Mambo...love that color).
Even more good news is that I will be expanding my store with new products in the weeks to come. I will be adding on some ribbon soon and even more stamps!! So make sure to keep checking by to see what else I have added. Of course, I will post here when I add new items as well.
On a non-stamping note, Ansley is home sick today. She threw up this morning. She seems to be fine now so hopefully it is already over. And I am not feeling too great myself. Yesterday afternoon I felt like I hit a wall! I was totally exhausted! Seriously, I felt like I hadn't slept in days!! I was in bed before 9pm (which is very odd for me)! Unfortunately, my longer night's rest was interrupted by dealing with Ansley at 5am!
Anyway, thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!
~Lacey
I have been posting a lot lately! So, if you haven't stopped by in a few days, make sure to scroll down to see all of the posts! And don't forget my blog candy here for the opening of my new on-line store called Stamp and Create.
Well, I will getting ready to go to bed last night when it hit me...I didn't make a birthday card for Ansley!! Yikes!! I made her birthday invitations, her party favors, and even a more invitations for a mini-party we are having with a few neighbors (see the end of this post for those)...but I totally forgot about her actual birthday card!! Since she's seen all of my work, I couldn't just give her one I made awhile ago...she would think that I didn't do it for HER!
So, I was up until about 12:30am making this card....keep in mind I only remembered it around 11:15pm!! So I am glad this card quickly came together!! It took me just over an hour to do everything including the coloring! Most of my cards can take me 3-4 hours to make...mostly just trying to figure out what I want to do!!
Anyway, here is Ansley's birthday card...
Isn't she adorable? I have to admit...I have had this Miss Anya set for months, but have had so many other cards to make for different reasons that I didn't have a chance to personally ink her up! I chose this image since her hair is more like Ansley's than the other Miss Anyas in this set.
The DP is from one of my new MME mega packs called Totally Girl. I love polka dots and I love this color combo! The pink layer had a little green in it, so I used that as an accent color. Check out that awesome charm I got from Bunny Zoe's Crafts!! Perfect for a little girl! I added some sparkle to the edges, headband, prima, and brad with Crystal Stickles. And the butterfly was punched with the Martha Stewert punch twice, then the top layer attached with foam dimensionals.
The image was embossed in black onto Watercolor paper and watercolored with twinkling H2Os...
I carried the layout on the inside...
The sentiment is from SU Full of Life and Teeny Tiny Wishes.
On the inside of the cover, I added some DP, some ric rak, and #7 from SU Well Worn Numbers (retired) punched out with a Marvy circle punch...
I think she was happy to get it...I was still sleeping since I was up so late making it!! But she did thank me for it before she went to school.
I brought cupcakes to her school for her class. And tonight we are going to The Rainforest Cafe for dinner (her choice). I am also going to get her some sushi for an afterschool snack..she LOVES Salmon and Tuna Sashimi!! I might pick me up some sushi lunch, too!
But her birthday celebrations aren't over! Tomorrow we are having a few of our neighbors over to swim in the pool after school! I really hope the weather holds out...it's been major thunderstorms EVERY afternoon for over a week (and always just as the bus is about to drop off)!! I'm talking "rattle-the-walls-thunder"!! But it's always beautiful in the mornings...strange Florida weather!
Anyway, since I can't have a party without a little invitation, I made up 3 of these using inspiration from Debbie Olsen's style....
Ok, it's not Debbie Olsen...but these Cosmo Cricket papers make me think of her. Since I can't make a bow like she can, I just created a knot through the tag which is a Sizzix Scalloped Tag die (ribbon SU). I added a button (Debbie always has buttons on her cards) and rounded the corners on two sides a-la-Debbie!
The image is Beach Girl Patti from High Hopes Rubber Stamps available at my store Stamp and Create....
She is embossed in black onto watercolor paper and watercolored using twinkling H2Os.
I added Crystal Effects from SU on her mask and Stickles on the beach ball (which is from SU Life's a Breeze - Retired)...
Here's all three together...
I think that's a long enough post today!! LOL
Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!
~Lacey
So how was your weekend? We had a great time. We went back to North Florida for the labor day weekend and to have a surprise birthday party for Ansley! Oh, was she surprised!!! I don’t think it hit her until after a few minutes and I swear she was about to cry when everyone yelled “Surprise”!! But within seconds, she was scooped away into the dressing room to start her transformation into a Pop Star!!
I will share pictures from the party soon (I still need to download the pictures). But in the mean time, I wanted to share the party favors that I made…
Aren’t they awesome?! I am just tickled pink with how they turned out. Of course, the idea wasn’t totally my own. I knew I wanted to make some girly-like purse so I went looking at Lauren Meader’s Timeless Templates available through Papertrey Ink. I am a huge fan of Lauren’s work. Before I purchased a template, I searched Lauren’s blog for all of the template samples. I fell in love with this purse she created, so I used that for my inspiration. In fact, I found the exact same jewelry pieces she used at Michael’s. But since I had to make so many, I didn’t want the cost to be too much, I didn’t use the purse closure like Lauren did. But I still like how they turned out.
I also went a little overboard with the pictures at different angles.
Anyway, I used SU Basic Black for the base and Melon Mambo for the front and back pieces. I embossed SU Bella Toile in white onto the front and back pieces. I diecut the monogrammed letters using the Sizzix Serif essentials onto SU On board Long Board chip board pieces. I embossed the black pieces using PTI Polka Dot Basics, then I die cut them as well and glued them to the chipboard pieces. I added some hot pink Prima flowers, added some SU Crystal Brads, and a Star Charm. The ribbon on the handles are from PTI.
The party favors included lip gloss, mini nail polish, candy necklace, ring op candy, and a personalized bracelet that I made.
The girls were thrilled to receive their little purses andgifts.
If you haven’t tried Lauren’s Templates, you really should give them a try! They are so easy to make and very well designed. Each template is only $5.00 each and many of the designs come with a mini version as well (I used the large Pretty Petal Pocket template for the party favors). And if you want to try them before you purchase one, PTI offers 2 free templates!! Go check it out!
Don’t forget that I am offering blog candy for the opening of my new online store!! Remember, I am only just getting started. I will be adding more products in the future!
Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!
~Lacey
Edited: I am often contacted about if I sell these invitations or the template. I do not sell these invitations. They were made using a Sizzix XL Die. I do not know if they are still being sold.
I have mentioned before that we are going back to North Florida this weekend to visit some friends and to throw a surprise birthday party for Ansley. She doesn't know many girls her age yet in our new city.
So I set up a birthday party at a local children's salon that specializes in girls "glamour" parties. They had a few options for party themes, so I went with "So you wanna be a pop star" party!! The party includes hair, makeup, nail polish and costumes. Then the birthday girl gets to pick a song that the rest of the girls get to sing for kareoke! They even get to make a music video that Ansley gets to take home!
Here are the invitations that I created for the party...
Aren't they the cutest thing ever?! The purse card is created using a Sizzix XL die. It cuts the purse card-base and the mat for the inside.
I created the wording for the inside on the computer..making sure to align it so that I could stamp Singing Catrina by High Hopes Rubber Stamps!! What a perfect image for this birthday party!
Sorry for the shadows in the photos. This party was kind of last minute so I didn't have much time to create the invitations...especially since I was working on them behind Ansley's back! When I finished them, I had to quickly take photos early in the morning so I could get them in the mail! And I didn't have much time to mess with them since Ansley was home while I was taking the pictures!
Anyway, I printed the wording, cut it out with the sizzix die, then embossed Catrina in black and watercolored her using Twinkling H2Os. I had to make 10 of these so I didn't really focus too much on having great shading. But I actually love the way the hair turned out! Oh, and I added some stickles to her belt for some extra shine!
The card base is SU Melon Mambo embossed in white using Bella Toile Background stamp. I added some black embossing to the flap along with some primas and bling on the front!
I really love how these turned out! I am making little purses using one of PTI's templates designed by Lauren Meader for the party favors. I will be posting them soon.
I will be carrying Singing Catrina in my new store soon!
Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!
~Lacey
I've been very busy this week working on party favors for my daughter's surprise birthday party next weekend! I have been trying to sneak making them while she is at school.
But with the start of school this week, it's been hectic!
I do have a few projects that I have to share, but I need to take photos. I also received a wonderful RAK, but the pictures I took ended up blurry so I have to retake them. Since I have family coming over for dinner tonight, I am going to share something I made awhile ago, but never posted...
I actaully made these for the Ryan's teachers and preschool administrators at the end of the last school year...
I used the Pop-Up Ball die from Sizzix (which is available through Stampin' Up). I used SU Ridinghood Red for the base and Bella Rose DP (both retired now).
I printed up some of my favorite bible verses, printed them on the computer, then cut them up and attached them to the ball.
I added some ribbon and a large flower to the top. And added some butterflies using the another Sizzix die which is exclusive to Stampin' Up.
Here are some other angles...
This particular ball was created for one of the teachers who is fighting bone cancer. So these verses are about healing and not being afraid. The other teacher's received different verses.
I actually am making 20 of these (with the other verses) in a different design for Ansley's teacher from last year. She is using it for table decorations and party favors for her daughter's wedding. As soon as I have the chance, I need to take pictures of those, too!
Well, I am glad this week is over! It was hard readjusting to a busy school schedule. But I think we are getting there! The kids have a little homework to do over the weekend. Ryan starts Karate next week! He is very excited.
Speaking of Ryan, I have posted many times about how much of a handful he can be. He's not a bad child who hits or fights or anything like that. He's just VERY active, and has selective hearing (meaning...he doesn't always listen)!! I have NOT gotten him tested for ADHD yet...mainly because he CAN sit still IF he wants to and if he is interested in something. But I swear sometimes he gets a little "crazy"...like litterally bouncing off the walls!
So, at the suggestion of his preschool teacher and some friends, I am going to try to test out a diet that is recommended for ADHD and even Autistic children. We are going to start with Dairy! Crazy, I know! But apparently, some kids can not break down the casein protein in dairy well and it causes a reaction. The diet also suggests Glutten Free as well...but that is so hard to deal with...I think I will just see how dairy free works first.
It's only been 1 day, so of course there is no change yet.
Well, that's it for now. I need to finish getting ready for company.
Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!
~Lacey
Here is the gift I made for Ryan's preschool teacher. I didn't have any other composition notebooks to alter, so I decided to make her a set of cards instead. I know teachers can never have enough thank you cards!
I left them blank with no sentiment so she can use them just for notes and birthday cards as well.
I used scrap strips of DP (retired SU) and randomly placed them...yes, some of them are supposed to be crooked. I added some ric rac ribbon and a scalloped border (SU punch) and called it a day!
I placed the set in one of the PTI clear boxes and added some ribbon (from Taylored Expressions).
Here's another view...
I made her a similar card like Ansley's teacher but with a red base...
She was very happy to receive them!
So far they are doing well in school. Although we are having bus issues with Ansley!! This is her first time riding the bus. So everything is new to her...new school...new neighborhood...new friends....new procedure to get picked up from school, etc!! Therefore, she forgot her bus number today so she missed the afterschool bus!!!
Imagine how freaked out I was when she didn't get off the bus!!!
I walked to the bus stop with Ryan and our dog Princess. So when she wasn't there, I knew I had to get to the school asap. A neighbor drove us home so we didn't have to walk. We hopped right in our car and headed to school. On the way, I managed to get in touch with the school to confirm that she was still there. We get to school, hop out (with the dog...who is freaking out by now because I was freaking out) when...someone yelled at me for having the dog!!! Are you kidding?! It's 100 degrees....I am NOT leaving my dog in the car....AND "YOU" (the school) failed to send my daughter home!!! Who cares about the freakin' dog!!!
Anyway, I picked her up...I mean she's only 5 pounds (smaller than your normal sized cat)!!
We got Ansley safely home...but I was still a wreck! THEN she accidentally broke a glass vase!! So I started cleaning it up and ended up sweeping the whole house! Afterward, my back was killing me!!! I must have pulled my back from fantically running around trying to get Ansley (I remember twisting a little when I tried to get Ryan out of the car...with the adrenaline rushing...I may not have noticed it until later).
Needless to say, a few advils, a glass of wine (or two)...I was pooped and glad when the day was over!!!
I did manage to make a card in the morning before the bus incident! I will post that later!
In the mean time....thanks for stoping by! Happy Stamping!
~Lacey
I wanted to do something special for each of the kids' teachers.
For Ansley's teacher, I decided to alter a composition notebook...
I used Stamping Bella's Teachabella. I embossed the image in black and quickly colored her with a mixture of Twinkling H2Os and SU markers. The DP is retired SU from last year...thought it fit the theme perfectly. I used the SU scalloped edge punch and Spiral Punch.
I die cut the initial of her last name with the Sizzix Serif Essentials alphabet dies along with 2 EKsuccess flower punches....
I covered the inside as well...
Here's a view of the back of the notebook...
For her card, I used the SCS SC242 sketch this week using the same materials.
I added some stickles and an apple charm.
I will post Ryan's teacher's gift later.
Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!
~Lacey
Sorry I haven't been posting much. We only have 1 1/2 weeks before school starts back up for both of my kids. Since we spent so much time with the move to the new house, I want to spend as much time with the kids before school. In addition to shopping for all of the needed school supplies, clothes, and uniforms, we have been trying to enjoy a little of our new city. We've been to 2 different malls, the beach, a splash park, and today we are going to the movies. Of course, there is our daily dip in our pool (sometimes more than once)!!
Next week we have orientation for both schools. But I am hoping to do more "fun" stuff, too. Well, I guess I do have to take them to the doctor and dentist...it's much easier to do these things before school starts.
On saturday, we are going to the MONSTER Truck show!! I bet Ryan will love it! And next week we plan to: go to Butterfly World (where you walk into an atrium FILLED with butterflies that land on you, see beautiful birds including different species of hummingbirds, and feed the lorikeets), meet up with a friend at Sea World in Orlando, and probably another trip to the beach.
Not to mention I am working on a ton of "behind the scenes" things I am working on.
So, please forgive me if my posts are sporatic over the next week.
In the mean time, I have a sad card to share.
One of my husband's coworkers lost her son on saturday. He was 18 years old playing in a house with a gun present. He was accidentally shot and killed by his 16 year old best friend! So tragic! I don't even like my kids to play "guns", because it makes then "fun". Oh, this breaks my heart!!
I made this card for her...not that anything I say can make her feel any better, but just to show our sympathy.
I used "Thoughts and Prayers" by Stamping Up!...
On the inside, I used another sentiment from the set mixed with an old retired "sympathy" sentiment...
The sentiment reads...
"Praying for friends to comfort you, faith to uphold you, and loving memories to heal your heart."
The signature is a personalized stamp from SU.
I was very upset when I made this card. But the bow helped cheer me up a bit...I am really happy with how it turned out...I've never done one like that with the button in the center.
Anyway, don't forget about my blog candy here.
We are off to the movies today.
Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!
~Lacey
I made this card awhile ago, but haven't posted it yet....
The flower is from Stampin' Up Close as a Memory. The background is Sanded by SU. On the background for the card, I used Sanded again (in Pink Pirouette) along with a retired background stamp called On the Spot. The card base is Close to Cocoa.
Here's a close up of the image...
Hopefully we are unpacking everything today in our new house!! That is...if everything went as planned from when I wrote this post!!
Hopefully I will be back online soon!! If not, I have my High Hopes Challenge card already scheduled for Sunday.
In the mean time...Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!
~Lacey
Monday was my last time with my wonderful Stamp Club ladies!!! However, I refuse to say goodbye! Since most (if not all) of them visit my blog often...and some are on facebook...I chose to say "See you on-line" instead!!!
So, here's a shout out to my wonderful stamping friends!! You are the only ones in my neighborhood who understand my stamping addiction...I mean hobby!!
This stamp club was not run by me this time! Instead, my new downline Heather will be taking over the group. Here is the project that she designed...
It is a cute little bag that can easily hold 6 3"x3" cards and envelopes or candy or a gift card, etc... and we made 2 coordinating cards.
Here is another view of the little bag...
And here is another view of the cards...
Since it was my last time with the group, most of them pitched in to get me a going away present!! I was VERY surprised...I didn't expect anything from them so I was totally caught off guard! Look what they got me...
YES!! I got a lightning McQueen toy bin!! LOL Sorry...didn't realize that was so close in the picture!! The ladies gave me this awesome storage unit! The top few drawers pull out with dividers (like the top of the unit) to hold embellishments or stuff in different compartments. The other small drawers can hold stamps, ribbon, anything short or 12x12 paper. Then the bottom larger drawers pull out and are completely covered so they can go with you to hold 12 x 12 supplies and such!! Oh, and it comes with wheels that can be added on as well! I am so excited since my new stamping space will be much smaller in the new house.
Of course, I haven't filled it yet since everything will be packed up soon.
And here is the card that Heather made for everyone to sign...
Isn't it so sweet?! Sorry for a slightly blurry photo...it just started to rain when I took this photo. I take all of my photos outside on the covered porch for natural lighting. Although it wasn't going to get wet, it got dark quickly so my photos don't take as well when it's dark from rain clouds.
Oh, one of my stamping friends (and mother of my daughter's best friend...and assistant teacher for my son...) bought me a few Stamping Bella stamps earlier as a going away present. I have been so busy with the closing, Daytona trip, DT stuff, and now the move that I haven't had a chance to ink them up yet...soon...very soon!!
Anyway, I am REALLY going to miss this group of gals!! But as I said to them....no goodbyes...I will see you on-line!! And, ladies, if you guys want to take a trip to Coral Springs...make sure to bring your stamping supplies...and your bathing suit (*waving to my pals*)!!!
Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!!
~Lacey
I am scheduling the next few posts because we are heading down to South Florida on Thursday to close on our new house!! My husband is a little busy at work right now, so he can't actually take time off from work to move! So, we have a little time before we have to leave our North Florida home. Plus we also want to install wood floors in the new home since the carpets need to be replaced upstairs...the tile downstairs is in good condition so we are only doing upstairs. Therefore, we are going down to close on the house, but we won't be moving in for a few more weeks.
Anyway, I made this set of cards for my neighborhood Bunco group (it's a dice game that we play each month...lots of fun). Each month we bring an item to put in the themed basket. The last person who gets "Bunco" wins the basket. This past month, the theme was "Beach"...actually "Jimmy Buffet", but any beach item would work.
I took this picture right before leaving for Bunco so I didn't have time to take them out and get a better photo. There were 8 cards in the set...all with the same design.
I stamped the surf board from SU Just Surfing stamp set 1 time in Bermuda Bay, then I masked it off, and stamped it a second time in Melon Mambo (both new in-colors from SU available July 1st). I tore some Creamy Caramel CS to create sand dunes, inked up the edges wtih Chocolate Chip, and layered them onto the cards. I sewed around the edges, inked up the background with Baja Breeze to create a "sky", then attached everything to a Crushed Curry card base (another new in-color).
I was so glad to be able to use this stamp set! I bought it back in May to use for Scott's surprise "Luau 40th Birthday party", but I got so busy I ended up just sending an email invite!! Gasp!! How embarrasing for a "card maker" to send an email invitation!! Oh well. However, I believe these would make awesome beach party or pool party invitations.
The sentiment is from Stamping Bella but I though it fit this design perfectly. I wanted these cards to be used for any occassion.
Here's a side view of the box...
The box is from PTI and it easily holds 8 cards and envelopes (without many embellishments). I love these boxes, they are great for an easy gift. After I took the picture, I wrapped it in some Bermuda Bay polka dot ribbon with a bow on the front. I think they were a huge hit.
This set only took me about an hour to make all of them...including the sewing.
By the time this posts, I should be on my way to South Florida. However, I have the start of a headcold with a sore throat and a runny nose. My breaks are squeeking, so I had to get those checked out in the morning. So I may end up having to rent a car since I don't have time to wait around all day for my car to be worked on! I am so excited (*insert sarcasm*) that I get to pack, get my car looked at, and drive to South Florida with 2 kids by MYSELF!! Scott is already down there! Oh well...ya gotta do what ya gotta do, right?!
I do have a favor to ask, though. Scott's brother is in the hospital in South Carolina with Multiple Pulmonary Embolisms (blood clots in the lungs) and he has a deep vein blood clot in his leg that they are worried about. He is on blood thinners and is being closly monitored, but they expect him to be in the hospital for at least a week. Please keep him and is family in your prayers. They are in the process of moving from Texas and have been separated as a family (because of the move) since Christmas! This is a very stressful time for him and his family.
Thank you so much for your prayers!! And thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!
~Lacey
Both of my kids have been in Gymnastics for over a year. Ansley has been taking classes for almost 3 years. Ryan didn't start until a few months after her turned 3 years old.
Since we are moving, they had their last class last week. But it was just in time for them to participate with Ribbon Day! Ribbon Day is like their "recital". The kids learn a certain "routine" (on the floor, balance beam, and "vault").
Before we get to Ribbon Day, since this IS a stamping blog, I guess I should show you the cards I made for both of their coaches...
The image is an old retired Stampin' Up! set called Poetry in Motion. I have actually tried to buy this stamp set before, but haven't found one. But a friend who came to a few of my SU clubs had it. So, we swapped some sets for a week and I embossed a TON of this image!! Unfortunately, I forgot about them and found them when I was cleaning up my area to put the house on the market...could have used these earlier, but forgot about them!!
Anyway, the sketch is SC232 at SCS this week. The papers are MME Grow collection. The cardbase is Always Artichoke (which matches some lines in the striped DP). It is matted onto Dusty Durango (new in-color). The sentiment is also a retired SU hostess set which I will never give up!!
Here's a closer view of one of the cards...
This is Ansley with her Coach Maddi...
Here is Ryan with His Coach Lisa...
Aren't their coaches so adorable?! They are both so cute!! And I can say that because I am SURE I am much older than they are!!
Ryan was his usual wild boy...not wanting to sit still and yelling "when is it MY turn?"!! Yep, that one is mine...the loud one!! Oh, and the one rolling around on the ground! He's not so great with sitting and waiting his turn! He usually only has 2 other kids in his class. So the fact that there were 10 kids in his group today was hard for him to sit quietly and wait his turn!
Here are a few pictures of Ryan...
You may have noticed that Ryan wasn't with his coach...his coach wasn't participating with Ribbon Day.
Here are some pictures of Ansley...
Some of the pictures were blurry...I was trying to record of video AND take pictures at the same time!!
Here they are getting their trophies (and ribbons)...
I am so proud of them!!
It's time for another High Hopes Challenge. This weeks challenge is brought to us by by the very talented and super sweet Janette and her challenge is "Lotsa Circles"! What a fun challenge!
For my card, I decided to make a Father's Day card for Scott. Since he started his new job in April, he has been driving back and forth to South Florida (5 hour drive) during the week, then he comes home for the weekend. It's been really hard on him...taking over the new territory...doing sales rallies for new products...AND he is still handling the Daytona Speedway account so he has the Coke Zero 400 race to worry about in a few weeks on the 4th of July!
So I thought this card would be something he needs....
I used one of the images from the latest release called Sweet Dreams. This image is perfect for Scott's card...the busy worker ant really needs some time to rest and just take a break! Thesentiment is from the Farm Release. Unfortunately, AFTER I uploaded the picture did I realize that the image is crooked!! Apparently this little restful spot is on the side of the ant hill!! LOL His face is red because all of the blood is rushing to his head!!! ROFL Oh well, I can't fix it now!
The card base is an old retired SU in-color Wild Wasabi (I still have a full pack left). But I really love this color so I knew I would need to hang onto some of it. The orange mat is a sneak peek of one of the new SU in-colors called Dusty Durango. The DP is MME.
Oh, I loosely used the Friday Sketcher sketch this week, but turned it on it's side.
I kept it fairly simple on the inside...
The sentiment is another sneak peek at a great new SU set called Tenny Tiny Wishes. It is FULL of sentiments for almost ANY occassion...even retirement (which would also work great for this image). I love that about the High Hopes images...they work with any Designer Paper or stamp set sentiments!
I embossed the image in black and watercolored him with Twinkling H2Os. Here is a close up...
If you would like to play along, make sure to link your card to the challenge post to be entered into the drawing for the free stamps!! I just LOVE the stamp set they are giving away this week!! Oh, and if you link your to SCS, make sure to use keyword HHC35.
Don't forget to check out all of the wonderful DT cards (links on my sidebar)!!
Oh, speaking of High Hopes DT...did you see my new banner on the right? Fellow HH DT Nikki aka has opened up her own on-line store!! She will be carrying High Hopes stamps amoung others. Plus she has some spacers and jute ribbon! Go check it out. She is giving away a certificate to her store if you spread the word!!!
Thanks for stopping by today!! Happy Stamping!
~Lacey
Here's a quick card made with one of the new Stampin' Up Level 2 Hostess sets caleed Wings of Friendship. This was super easy to make...
I heat embossed the image in black directly to some of the new Razzleberry Lemonade Designer Paper, added another layer puched with the scallop edge, added some awesome Crushed Curry Polka Dot Ribbon, and sewed it to the Melon Mambo card base. I had a little bit of a problem with the sewing, though...word of advice, don't try to stand up and sew!! My sewing machine has been put away while our house is on the market. So I pulled it out and placed on the dresser in the spare bedroom. I had to stand up to sew it and I accidentally started sewing before I was ready when I turned the corner on the bottom right!! Opps!! Oh well!
The DP, card stock, and ribbon will be available starting on July 1st!! The stamp set is a Level 1 Hostess set, so you will need to either host a workshop to earn this set.
We had a busy day today. We went to swimming lessons again today...no, Ryan didn't participate again...but he DID swim on the steps...I am hoping to go early tomorrow, let him play on the steps, and when his lesson time comes, let the instructor try to coax him to swim to her. Maybe if we get there early he will think that he missed his lesson and that she just wants to "play". We'll see if it works.
Anyway, we came home for lunch (and baths) and had a friend come over to play for a little while. Then we headed out for our last gymnastics class. They have "Ribbon Day" on monday, but then we will be done with gynmastics. When we move we will get the kids signed up for something else. Ansley wants to try dance and possibly karate for Ryan....we'll see.
I have to put the kids to bed, then I plan on making another Whiff of Joy card from the upcoming Women's Delight release. Hopefully I will be able to photograph it and post it tomorrow morning.
In the mean time, make sure to check out the rest of the DT cards (links on my sidebar). And don't forget about my blog candy here. It will end at midnight EST on Thursday. I will start the blog candy with the Whiff of Joy stamp on friday morning.
Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!
I have been wanting to play along with Dawn McVey's Raspberry Suite's color challenges for awhile now, but don't always have the time to play along. When I saw this weeks color challenge...I just had to play...unfortunately, I am late...but I still wanted to post it...
I love this color combo. And I knew it would be great for the new Stampin' Up! Melon Mambo...
I pulled out my Sizzix Scalloped Card die for the Chocolate Chip card base. I added some new Melon Mambo to mat the focal image. The focal image is a Damask stamp I got in the $1 section of Michaels stamped in Melon Mambo. I inked up the edges of the focal image with Chocolate Chip and the card with PTI Fresh Snow (used the ink cube directly to the card). The ribbon is PTI Hibiscus Burst and the Button is also PTI. I added a Prima and some embroidery thread and called it done!
This card seriously only took me 10 minutes to make (I used my heat gun to dry the white inked border). I want to try this in a few different colors. I really love this look.
We have swimming lessons again today. Yesterday Ryan thew such a fit...every time he swam to the side of the pool, he climbed out and ran away (sometimes all the way to the parking lot)!! At one point, I was so frustrated, that I actually threw him in the pool to the swim instructor!!
Here is my dilema...we are moving at the end of the month/begining of July. Our new house has a pool in the back yard. He NEEDS to know how to get himself out of the pool if he accidentally falls in. On one hand I want to push him...kicking and screaming...through swim lessons. On the other hand, I realize that this is one of those things that he has got stuck in his head that he won't do. When Ryan gets "one of those things" in his head...there is NOTHING that can change his mind. If he says the sky is green...there is NO telling him otherwise!!
But, his safety is the issue here. After he swam to the wall a few times with the instructor and was able to push himself up to get a breath, I do feel that (1) He CAN swim enough to get himself out of a pool and (2) He is afraid enough of the "deep" water in the pool that he won't go near it to accidentally fall in.
So...I have decided that I won't force him to do swimming lessons since he is so afraid. However, I told him that he WILL work with ME each time we go to the pool.
On top of all that...he threw up this morning. Don't know if it was anxiety about swimming lessons or if it's a stomach virus. Our neighbor was sick all weekend with a horrible stomach virus. So, we will just have to see how the day pans out. In the mean time, we still have to take Ansley to swim lessons.
I plan on coming home afterward to work on some more of the Whiff of Joy Women of Delight previews. Hopefully I can upload something later.
Don't forget about my blog candyhere. Oh, and a little birdie told me that there is more candy coming this weekend...so stay tuned!!
Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!
~Lacey
